Brian Wheat (Tesla bassist)

Chuck Shute Podcast

Episode 104- Brian Wheat of Tesla!!! Brian has played bass in Tesla for almost 40 years, before it was even called that. The band has sold over 14 million records in the US as well as had 24 rock radio singles and 2 top 10 pop singles. Brian wrote about his experiences with the band in his new book, “Son of a Milkman: My Crazy Life with Tesla.” We discuss some of the things from that book including band fights, his relationship with ex guitar player Tommy Skeoch, why he used to think Bret Michaels was a punk and so much more!
00:00 - Intro
01:44 - Music Vs Baseball
03:01 - Neighbors with Frank Hannon
03:35 - Jeff Keith Singing
04:38 - Rotation Diet & Motivation
06:55 - Producers Passing on First Record
08:20 - MTV Playing Video
09:05 - David Lee Roth & Management
10:43 - Not Being Recognized
12:30 - Fighting to get "Love Song" on the Record
13:35 - Bret Michaels Was a Punk
15:36 - Tom Zutaut Vs The Producer
16:45 - Private Show for King of Sweden
17:35 - Fight Between Jeff & Troy
19:05 - Fighting vs Discussions
21:15 - Relationship with Tommy Skeoch
25:00 - Group Therapy with Tesla
26:04 - Band Hiatus & Other Jobs
27:40 - Depression, Isolation & Stigma
31:36 - Covid Relief For Business
32:45 - Arizona vs Texas
33:45 - Wrap Up
Tesla Band Website:
https://teslatheband.com
Save Our Stages:
https://www.saveourstages.com
Chuck Shute Website:
http://chuckshute.com

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